CRITIC REVIEWS
Antonio Galloni
The 2019 Opus One shows off the more opulent side of the vintage to great effect. Sumptuous dark fruit, spice and floral accents wrap around the palate, with a fair amount of new oak adding volume and exotic flair. This is an especially showy Opus One that will drink well with minimal cellaring,
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
Winemaker Michael Silacci commented that usually the blends are finished in January or February after the vintage. This year, with the 2019s, he was still tweaking the blend, but he did mention that this is "pretty close to the final blend." Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2019 Opus One leaps from the glass with notes of Black Forest cake, Morello cherries, mulberries and fresh blackcurrants plus hints of licorice, wilted roses, Sichuan pepper and iron ore. Full-bodied, the palate is jam-packed with juicy black, blue and red fruits, framed by velvety tannins and background freshness, finishing on a compelling earthy/mineral note. Tasted as a barrel sample, this is a truly magnificent Opus One in the making!
JancisRobinson.com
Abundant spring rains, nearly double the annual average, saturated the soil and provided ample water for the growing season. The first signs of budbreak were observed in the vineyard on 27 March, a full 15 days later than usual. This delay led to later bloom and veraison. However, warmer temperatures towards the end of summer accelerated the fruit s development and maturity so that picking began on 10 September, a couple of days earlier than average. The harvest lasted four weeks. 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. 22-day skin contact. 19 months in new French oak.Glowing crimson. Heady, a bit like 2009 although there s an appetising minerality on the palate. Muscular even. (JR)

